Livingston and Williamson provide holiday Christmas food baskets

The Livingston Park Association will be providing Christmas food baskets to the local needy. Baskets are available only to residents of Livingston, Williamson and the Olive Fire Protection District who need assistance.

There are two ways for those who need assistance to register for a holiday basket. The first is by sending a private message through the Livingston Park Association’s Facebook page. The other option is to contact Cindy Scarsdale at 618-637-2879. Information needed includes the family or individual’s name, exact address, number of people in the house, including children’s ages, and a phone number. If no one is home when calling, please leave a message. No names for baskets will be accepted after Dec. 2.

Food collection baskets are currently located at Country Inn, Livingston Grocery, and Hard Dog Cafe; more locations may be added soon. Rock Bottom Bar will also be collecting items starting Nov. 20. Monetary donations may also be sent to the Livingston Park Association at P.O. Box 493, Livingston, IL, 62058.

The community Angel Tree also provides gifts to younger children in families that receive Christmas baskets. Those interested in “adopting” angels can come up and select a child or two to shop for. The tree will be available at the Livingston Fire House from 9-11 a.m. on consecutive Saturdays. The first date to “adopt” an angel was Nov. 18.

Gift return dates will be Dec. 2 and 9. All gifts must be turned in by Dec. 9 so they can be wrapped and ready to be given out with the Christmas baskets.

The Livingston Park Association appreciates all of the support it receives from individuals, businesses and organizations far and wide for this project. Matching grants for this project in 2023 are being made available by Thrivent Financial. For additional details, go to the group’s Facebook page.